Ecology: r-selected and K-selected Species

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Questions and Answers

What are r-selected species known for?

High rate of population growth (correct)

Long lifespan

Few offspring

High parental care

What happens to r-selected species due to the lack of parental care?

Many offspring die at a young age.

What do r-selected species do to sustain their species?

Produce a large number of offspring.

What are examples of r-selected species?

Algae, bacteria, frogs, most insects, and many fish. Signup and view all the answers

What do r-selected species tend to be?

Opportunistic. Signup and view all the answers

What does opportunistic mean?

Reproduce when conditions are favorable. Signup and view all the answers

Are r-selected species regular?

False Signup and view all the answers

What are K-selected species known for?

Reproducing later in life Signup and view all the answers

Where do K-selected species typically develop?

Inside their mothers where safe and born large. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after birth for K-selected species?

Mature slowly and are cared for and protected by one or both parents. Signup and view all the answers

Where do K-selected species tend to be near?

Carrying capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of carrying capacity?

Most mammals, elephants, whales, humans, birds of prey, large and long-lived plants. Signup and view all the answers

Is competition for resources in K-selected species habitats relatively high?

True Signup and view all the answers

Is competition for resources in R-selected species habitats relatively high?

False Signup and view all the answers

Do K-selected species live in disturbed environments?

False Signup and view all the answers

Do R-selected species live in disturbed environments?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is biotic potential?

Maximum reproduction rate of a population in ideal conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Do r-selected species tend to be generalists or specialists?

Generalists. Signup and view all the answers

Do K-selected species tend to be generalists or specialists?

Specialists. Signup and view all the answers

What should classifying species be thought of as?

A spectrum. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why most invasive species are r-selected species.

They have high reproductive potential and grow and mature quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of having a high reproductive potential for r-selected species?

They are able to colonize areas easily and may outcompete native specialist species. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why K-selected species are typically more adversely affected by invasive species than r-selected species.

K-selected species are typically specialists with low population growth rates, while invasive species are generalists with high reproductive rates. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

r-selected Species

Characterized by high rates of population growth.
Feature short life spans and numerous small offspring with minimal to no parental care.
Many offspring die young due to lack of nurturing.
Sustain species by producing a large number of offspring.
Notable examples include algae, bacteria, frogs, most insects, and many fish.
Tend to be opportunistic, reproducing when conditions are favorable.
Exhibit irregular population patterns.
Generally classified as generalists, adapting to various environments.
Invasive species, often r-selected, thrive due to high reproductive potential and quick maturation, easily colonizing new areas and competing with native species.

K-selected Species

Typically reproduce later in life with fewer offspring, resulting in longer life spans.
Offspring develop safely inside mothers and are born large.
After birth, offspring mature slowly, receiving care and protection from one or both parents.
Often found near carrying capacity, balancing population with resource availability.
Examples include most mammals, elephants, whales, birds of prey, and long-lived plants.
Experience high competition for resources within their habitats, reflecting their specialized nature.
Classified as specialists, adapted to specific niches.

Comparison of r and K-selected Species

r-selected species thrive in disturbed environments, whereas K-selected species do not.
Competition for resources is relatively low for r-selected species but high for K-selected species.
K-selected species are more adversely affected by invasives due to being specialists with low population growth rates, while r-selected species can switch resources, minimizing competition impacts.
Classifying species should be viewed as a spectrum rather than strict categories.

Biotic Potential

Refers to the maximum reproduction rate of a population under ideal conditions, influencing species' survival and adaptability.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics of r-selected and K-selected species, highlighting their reproductive strategies, life spans, and population dynamics. Learn about the adaptations that enable r-selected species to thrive in varying environments, as well as the nurturing tendencies of K-selected species. Test your knowledge on these fundamental ecological concepts.